Motorcycle ride through Gelderland
We start early at the McDonald's in Vuren, where the motorcycles are still gleaming in the morning sun and the coffee provides just enough kick for a long day of riding. As soon as the helmets click shut, we roll onto the Waalbandijk, the start of a ride that shows Gelderland as you only experience it from a motorcycle: vast, historic, and full of surprises.

Via the Goilberdingerdijk, we wind our way through the river landscape towards Acquoy. The dike is high, the view is wide, and the bends invite a smooth ride. Soon, the first piece of history appears: Fort bij Asperen, a sturdy defensive structure of the New Dutch Water Line. A little further on stands the charming De Oude Horn Steam Pumping Station, which still seems to breathe the scent of oil and steam.

Not much later, we pass one of the most intriguing places of the day: Bunker 599, the iconic sawn-in-half bunker that stands in the middle of the landscape as both a work of art and a reminder of the past. A place that silences you, even with the engines still buzzing in your helmet.

We follow the Beusichemsedijk towards Culemborg, where the landscape unfolds into green floodplains. You can plan a short stop at Werk aan het Spoel, a beautiful example of how military heritage and nature can reinforce each other.

Next, we head onto the Lekdijk West and Lekdijk East. The river glistens on the left, the dike winds on the right, and it is pure bliss. Near Rijswijk and Ravenswaaij, we pass the Prinses Marijkesluizen, an impressive hydraulic engineering work that keeps the power of the Lek in check.

We drive along the Rhine embankment towards Randwijk, where the always pleasant Lexkesveer takes us to Wageningen. Motorcycles on the deck, helmet up, getting a breath of fresh air over the Lower Rhine; it remains one of the most beautiful crossings in the Netherlands.

After Wageningen, we head towards Oosterbeek, where the Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein' commemorates the Battle of Arnhem. A place that moves you, even if you are just passing through.
Next comes one of the highlights of the day: the Veluwezoom. The road climbs, descends, and winds through forests and heathlands. At the Posbank, a panorama unfolds that leaves you speechless every time: purple heather, rolling hills, and a horizon that seems endless. This part of the route is closed to motorized traffic on weekends; in that case, drive straight ahead at the roundabout towards Middachten Castle.

We descend towards De Steeg, where Middachten Castle and Estate stands majestically among the trees. A perfect spot for a short break or a photo. Afterwards, we drive on to the Hanseatic city of Doesburg, where lunch awaits. Terraces, old streets, historic facades, and of course, the scent of mustard soup that seems to follow you everywhere. A delightful stopover.

After Doesburg, we cross the Lower Rhine again at Loo, this time on the Loo Ferry. The motorcycles are parked tightly side by side on the deck, and the crossing provides just enough rest for the final part of the ride.

We drive back into the river region via the Drielse Rijndijk and Randwijkse Rijndijk. In Ochten, there is an opportunity to refuel or make a short stop at McDonald's, handy for those who want to recharge.

Next follows one last piece of history: Wijenburg Castle in Echteld, an elegant castle that towers proudly above the Betuwe orchards.

The route concludes via the Waalbandijk and Blatensdijk, where the river lies broad and mighty beside us one last time. Finally, we roll back to the McDonald's in Enspijk, where the engines cool down and the stories flow naturally.